Options for Refinishing a Steel Stem

[exapkib]

I found a used Yamaguchi stem on Ebay, and couldn't resist.

It is in rough shape, so I am looking into options for refinishing/refurbishing the stem. The stem is missing paint in a few areas, and has some rust spots as well.

Looking around at sites associated with various bike painting companies, I'm having trouble pricing out the cost of sending a stem to one of those places. Rest assured, I will inquire with these professionals via email about what they might be able to do with the stem.

In the meantime, however, I wanted to benefit from the collective wisdom and experience of the forum--what course of action would you pursue?

Pictures to follow, of course, once the stem arrives.

(I should mention--it's a threadless stem.)

Thanks!

[Louis]

What sort of paint is currently on the bike where you're thinking of using it?

If you aren't trying to do anything fancy one option is to strip it yourself then take it to a local powdercoating outfit to have them paint it.

[Peter P.]

Powdercoating would be more durable; wet paint has more options.

Do you want a single color or something more intricate? I think that's a big part of the decision. I'd check out some of the Speedvagen stem and bar paint jobs just to see what's possible.

Maybe send it to Yamaguchi and they can paint AND put "Yamaguchi" decals on the stem? That would be a nice custom touch.

[exapkib]

I'm planning to use the stem on this bike:

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o641/1zaxxon/IMG_7062_zps0zwvh47g.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/1zaxxon/media/IMG_7062_zps0zwvh47g.jpg.html)

I'd love to bring the white and/or purple into the stem, but I'm having a hard time estimating what the budget for such a project might be.

[thirdgenbird]

I was quoted $20 to powder a stem. Getting a perfect match would be tough but if you went with matching the fork, there would be enough separation that it wouldn't have to be perfect.

I used the same method went I had my fork done. The match isn't perfect but it's darn close. With the white between, you don't notice. It actually looks closer in person than it does below.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/arc-x/6BB675F0-6071-40F6-BCCB-A5E5A451AF72_zpshshfavsa.jpg

[martinez]

Damn, just had to drop in and say that gooch is on point!
And you did a good job trying to match that fork on the yeti. Looks more than good to MY eyes!

[exapkib]

Thanks for the information and kind comments!

I'm not opposed to powder coating, though I would probably choose wet paint unless it proves prohibitively expensive. I'd love to get the Yamaguchi symbol on the stem, and would probably aim to match the white, even if that proves more difficult . . .

Still all pipe dreams at this point, but I'd love to hear about anyone else's experiences with stem refinishing that might help me to make an informed decision.

[thirdgenbird]

wet paint and clear will be the best way to match the frame assuming that's how the frame was finished. I went with powder in the interest of cost.

[steelbikerider]

I had a Salsa stem that I repainted using a spray can. The finish was a "hammered steel" that replicated the finish on a metal toolbox. Durable but with enough mottled color to cover any imperfections in the paint. Just be sure to sand it to nice shiny bare metal before and use a primer. It looked much better than the black original finish and better than a silver finish. took some elbow grease, a few days between coats and about $15 in paint and sandpaper.

[exapkib]

Thanks for the responses so far. I've sent inquiries to Joe Bell and Cyclart.

Any other suggestions about other places I should be looking?

[fogrider]

Thanks for the responses so far. I've sent inquiries to Joe Bell and Cyclart.

Any other suggestions about other places I should be looking?

I had a frame and fork repainted by this guy: http://www.wantaframes.com/

[Kingfisher]

I had a Salsa stem that I repainted using a spray can. The finish was a "hammered steel" that replicated the finish on a metal toolbox. Durable but with enough mottled color to cover any imperfections in the paint. Just be sure to sand it to nice shiny bare metal before and use a primer. It looked much better than the black original finish and better than a silver finish. took some elbow grease, a few days between coats and about $15 in paint and sandpaper.

Can you provide before and after pics, very interested in this one.

Thanks

[exapkib]

The stem arrived today! I'm really excited.

Here it is with some bare handlebars:

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o641/1zaxxon/IMG_7755_zpseu2eevku.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/1zaxxon/media/IMG_7755_zpseu2eevku.jpg.html)
(please ignore the current set of handlebars dangling in the background)
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o641/1zaxxon/IMG_7759_zps5xkjh9sz.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/1zaxxon/media/IMG_7759_zps5xkjh9sz.jpg.html)

So now, the question becomes: what color? I'm leaning toward matching the white on the frame and putting the Yamaguchi symbol on each side.

Other possibilities?

[thirdgenbird]

I would match the fork and use white logos.

(I would also use a Deda speciale or soma hwy1 bar depending on your preference in bend)

[exapkib]

I would match the fork and use white logos.

(I would also use a Deda speciale or soma hwy1 bar depending on your preference in bend)

I like the idea of matching the fork!

And I will be looking for a traditional bend set of handlebars to make the switch official. Thanks for the suggestions.

[donevwil]

To my eye the stem should match the white on the TT. That said matching off-whites is very difficult so I understand the theory of matching the not quite matching fork. I simply see the fade vertically upward not front to back and the original silver stem looks better than the black. Silver headset and choice of bar tape color will play a big part as well.

Just another opinion of course, beautiful bike regardless. Maybe someone is good with Photoshop ?



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[cadence90]

To my eye the stem should match the white on the TT. That said matching off-whites is very difficult so I understand the theory of matching the not quite matching fork. I simply see the fade vertically upward not front to back and the original silver stem looks better than the black. Silver headset and choice of bar tape color will play a big part as well.

Just another opinion of course, beautiful bike regardless. Maybe someone is good with Photoshop ?
-

I wish my PS worked!

I agree. the primary fade is bottom to top.

Ideally, in my opinion (but $): fade the fork from blue dropouts to white at the crown, silver headset, white stem, 3rdgen's bar suggestions, white tape.

Option 2, possibly: white fork (with maybe small Yamaguchi logos, up near the crown on each blade to tie it in), silver headset, white stem, 3rdgen's bar suggestions, white tape.

I think matching the stem to the current dark blue fork would really make the front look quite "heavy" and greatly distract/detract from the elegant lightness of the original paint scheme.

$0,02.

[thirdgenbird]

If refinishing the fork is an option, then I agree. Fad the fork to white and paint the stem white. If the fork is to remain contrasting, then I would do the stem the same way to complent it.

As it stands now, there are two elements going on. One is a vertical face, the other is a contrasting fork. I currently don't see the fork as part of the fade.

[cadence90]

If refinishing the fork is an option, then I agree. Fad the fork to white and paint the stem white. If the fork is to remain contrasting, then I would do the stem the same way to complent it.

As it stands now, there are two elements going on. One is a vertical face, the other is a contrasting fork. I currently don't see the fork as part of the fade.

I think that is the issue.
To me, all blue fork/blue stem ends up a bit schizoid.
IF the fork and the stem were the color of the chainstay, then it could be better.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o641/1zaxxon/IMG_7755_zpseu2eevku.jpg

Crappy "Paint" mock-ups:

http://i1360.photobucket.com/albums/r654/traghetter/IMG_7755_zps1mvas54a.jpg (http://s1360.photobucket.com/user/traghetter/media/IMG_7755_zps1mvas54a.jpg.html)

http://i1360.photobucket.com/albums/r654/traghetter/IMG_7755_zpseu2eevku_01_zpsduckekss.jpg (http://s1360.photobucket.com/user/traghetter/media/IMG_7755_zpseu2eevku_01_zpsduckekss.jpg.html)

[CampyorBust]

While your at it you could fade the stem too, I kinda dig it though that might be a bit overkill.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/PedalPusher33/yama1_zpsmzonoiui.jpg

Plain white stem will look good too.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/PedalPusher33/yama2_zpsxye4pxii.jpg

It’s almost like they used three colors in that fade.

[exapkib]

I think that is the issue.
To me, all blue fork/blue stem ends up a bit schizoid.
IF the fork and the stem were the color of the chainstay, then it could be better.


Thanks for taking the time to make those mock ups!

As to the color of the fork--I always have this problem when I take pictures of this bike. In real life, the fork is the same color as the chainstay. Somehow it always comes out a little bit different in pictures.

When I last pulled the fork to clean the frame, I laid it against the chainstay, and it matches exactly. I'm sure if I was a better photographer I could capture an image that communicates the real color . . .

At this point, I'm still leaning toward painting the stem white with the Yamaguchi symbol in purple. Unless I find a local painter who can take on the job, it's going to have to wait until I'm in CO next in any case. Plenty to think about in the meantime . . .

Again, I appreciate all of the thoughtful input from everybody!

[exapkib]

While your at it you could fade the stem too, I kinda dig it though that might be a bit overkill.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/PedalPusher33/yama1_zpsmzonoiui.jpg

Plain white stem will look good too.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/PedalPusher33/yama2_zpsxye4pxii.jpg

It’s almost like they used three colors in that fade.

Nice work on the fork fade mock up! That could seriously sway a person into making this a much bigger project.

(and isn't that what this forum is all about?)

[12snap]

I vote to fade the fork and the stem. Keeping the fork original and just fading the stem would work, too.

[cadence90]

Thanks for taking the time to make those mock ups!

You are most welcome.

But I want CampyorBust's PhotoShop! Working in "Paint" is like effin' finger-painting. He did a great job, and both his mock-ups look excellent, and capture the idea perfectly.

My preference is for faded fork/white stem.
The stem blue looks pretty lonely, sitting isolated so far above the angled ss to fork fade-out line.
Silver headset in any case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh4fYpQ_n08

http://magyarnarancs.hu/data/cikk/7/86/34/cikk_78634/kill333.jpg

[Seramount]

white stem w/ faded fork...

[rwerkudara]

When I had my Yamaguchi built, Koichi was using a painter in CA - Joe's bicycle painting. Dont recall the prices, but I do remember that fades/sparkles were a fairly cheap option. Assuming he still paints the frames, I'm sure he also has the logos on hand.

[thirdgenbird]

white stem w/ faded fork...

Yep

[Rueda Tropical]

1697917618

match the frame

[donevwil]

While your at it you could fade the stem too, I kinda dig it though that might be a bit overkill.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/PedalPusher33/yama1_zpsmzonoiui.jpg

Plain white stem will look good too.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/PedalPusher33/yama2_zpsxye4pxii.jpg

It’s almost like they used three colors in that fade.

Both of these rock, although my preference is with the faded stem. Either way I also vote for a silver headset.